Ecrasante Mannschaft

L’humiliante victoire de l’Allemagne face au Brésil (7-1) en demi-finale de la Coupe du monde de football 2014 nous a conduits à faire un petit bilan sur la domination actuelle de ce pays aussi en sport automobile, F1, Rallye, 24 Heures du Mans…

« Le football est un jeu simple : 22 hommes courent après un ballon pendant 90 minutes et à la fin, ce sont les Allemands qui gagnent. ». Cette citation du footballeur anglais Gary Lineker est restée célèbre.

Certes, l’Allemagne n’a plus remporté de titre majeur en football depuis 1996, mais elle a tout de même décroché 3 titres mondiaux et 3 européens, et a joué 8 finales de Coupe du monde et 6 de Coupe d’Europe. L’Allemagne, c’est aussi 895 médailles aux JO d’été et 267 aux JO d’hiver, soit 1162 médailles, ce qui la classe 3^e nation derrière les USA et la Russie (Union Soviétique).

En sport automobile, l’Allemagne réussit plutôt bien également. En Formule 1, les pilotes allemands ont remporté 11 titres mondiaux (Schumacher, Vettel) et 148 victoires en GP (2^ederrière Royaume-Uni). Sur les 14 constructeurs allemands engagés en F1 depuis 1950, 3 ont gagné (Porsche, BMW-Sauber, Mercedes-Benz). Mercedes-Benz domine la saison 2014 (6 victoires) et Nico Rosberg a remporté 3 GP. L’Allemagne est actuellement leader des championnats Constructeurs et Pilotes.

En Endurance et plus particulièrement aux 24 Heures du Mans, le palmarès de l’Allemagne est tout aussi impressionnant : depuis leur 1^ère participation en 1930, les constructeurs allemands ont remporté 30 victoires aux 24 Heures du Mans, signé 83 podiums, 25 pole positions et 24 meilleurs tours en course. Porsche (16) et Audi (13) sont les marques les plus victorieuses au Mans. Côté pilotes, 16 Allemands ont remporté un total de 27 succès et signé 60 podiums, 6 pole positions et 6 meilleurs tours en course. L’Allemagne, c’est aussi 9 titres en American Le Mans Series, 2 titres en European Le Mans Series et 2 titres de Champion du monde d’Endurance avec Audi, sans oublier un total de 37 titres en Championnat du monde des Voitures de Sport avec Porsche, BMW et Mercedes-Benz.

En Rallye, le palmarès de l’Allemagne est moins fourni avec seulement 3 titres mondiaux Constructeurs avec Audi et Volkswagen et 2 titres Pilotes avec Walter Röhrl. Les constructeurs allemands ont remporté 54 rallyes WRC (Audi, VW, BMW, Porsche, Opel) et les pilotes germaniques ont gagné 17 épreuves (Röhrl, Warmbold, Schwarz). L’Allemagne compte aussi 7 titres européens Pilotes. Volkswagen est actuel leader du Championnat du monde des Constructeurs.

Au Rallye Dakar, l’Allemagne a triomphé 10 fois en catégorie Auto, 5 fois en Camion (avec Jost Capito en 1985) et 6 en Moto. Jutta Kleinschmidt reste la seule femme vainqueur du Dakar. L’Allemagne, c’est aussi 6 victoires à Pikes-Peak avec Audi et 20 succès aux 24 Heures de Daytona avec Porsche et BMW

MARTIN BRUNDLE’S EAGLE E-TYPE

For those of you who watch Formula 1, Martin Brundle needs no introduction. The former Formula 1 driver is now the lead commentator on Sky Sports, remarkably his commentating career began 17 years ago beside the legendary Murray Walker on ITV Sport in 1997.

Skip forward to 2014 and Brundle is now the only commentator any serious Formula 1 fan wants to listen to, an untold number of people outside of Britain (and the reach of Sky Sports) clamour to find any online stream they can of his coverage – only resorting to using their local commentators when absolutely necessary.

What many of Brundle’s current fans don’t know is that he entered Formula 1 as a driver in 1984 – the same year as Ayrton Senna. The two men had battled it out in Formula 3 during the 1983 season with Ayrton only winning the championship on the last few laps of the last race – Ayrton had great respect for Brundle, which itself is possibly the greatest nod of approval any racing driver from the era could possibly receive. Brundle would go on to win the 1988 World Sportscar Championship with a record points score before taking a swing at endurance racing and winning the 1990 24 Hours of Le Mans race for Jaguar.

When it comes to his own personal cars, Martin has owned a slew of classics that many would kill for, including 2 of my personal favourites – the Ferrari F355 and the E-Type Jaguar. In fact he’s owned 2 E-Types, a Series III V12 Roadster and a Series I Coupe. He impulse bought the Series III on sight, something that many of us would have done years ago if we had the money and the opportunity. Years later he decided that the convertible was a little too exposed – probably because he has one of the most famous faces in Britain, and so he approached the team at Eagle to build him a Series I Coupe.

As with all Eagle E-Types Brundle’s coupe would be a tweaked, improved car that would be more than capable of rubbing shoulders with modern sports couples – a feat many classic cars genuinely struggle with. The straight-6 was reworked to produce a little over 300hp at the rear wheels, it was fitted with a 5-speed transmission, modified suspension geometry, an entirely new interior and a modern air-conditioning system.

Impressively, Brundle uses either his E-Type, his BMW K1600GT or his helicopter to travel to the Formula 1 races in Europe – in fact, he’s now attended almost half the Grand Prix races that have ever taken place worldwide.

If you’d like to see more Eagle E-Types you can click here.

Additional information provided by Evo.co.uk

Photographs by Dean Smith

DREAM.BUILD.DRIVE

An inspiring documentary that follows Nigel Petrie on his journey, to driving his dream.

DREAM.BUILD.DRIVE from Matthew J Cox on Vimeo.

TEASER AFRICA ECO RACE 2015

Enduro World Champion - Pela RENET

Bonhams set to obliterate auction record with Ferrari 250 GTO at Quail Lodge sale

When Bonhams sells a Ferrari 250 GTO at its Quail Lodge sale in August, it won't be a question of whether it breaks the World Record for the most expensive car sold at auction – but by how much it surpasses it...

In a massive coup for the British auction house, the consigned car (s/n 3851 GT) will be the first 250 GTO to be sold in the public domain for several years – and will astonishingly carry no reserve at the California sale. First sold to French racing driver Jo Schlesser, it was soon campaigned in the 1962 Tour de France, ultimately placing second. Three years later it was sold to Fabrizio Violati, who “saved the car from scrap and hid it from my parents – I only drove it at night so nobody would see me,” he recalled before his death in 2010. The significant Ferrari has remained with his family since, their 49-year custody meaning 3851 GT is the longest single-family-ownership 250 GTO in existence. Bonhams holds the current auction record for the Mercedes W196, sold for the equivalent of around $30 million last year – but this Ferrari has a realistic chance of doubling that figure.

Photos: Bonhams/Goddard Picture Library

You'll soon find the full lotlist for Bonhams’ Quail Lodge sale in the Classic Driver Market.

In the meantime, you can find hundreds of significant classic Ferraris for sale elsewhere on Classic Driver. 

SHED-BUILT 1973 BMW R75/5

The notion of building one’s own custom motorcycle is romantic—but not without its pitfalls. Some shed-builders run out of budget. Others struggle to create something truly unique, or lack the obsessiveness required for the tiny details.

But some home-brewed bikes stand head and shoulders above the rest, like this charming and well-crafted 1973 BMW R75/5. It belongs to Daniel McNeill, a sound engineer from Austin, Texas, who spent “two long years sweating it out” in a tiny shed in his back yard to complete it.

“It’s really not much of an R75/5 any more though,” says Daniel. “The gas tank is from an R100 (I think), the air box and engine top cover are from an R80, and the pistons and cylinders are from a R90S, bumping up the engine to 900cc.”

Most of those parts were sourced from Martindale Motorcycle Works which, according to Daniel, “is probably the best place in the United States to get used airhead parts.” There, he also found a set of original BMW ‘Euro’ bars and an ultra-rare Alphabet exhaust system—”it sounds and functions incredibly, dents and all!”

Daniel did just about all the work himself, with the exception of paint and powder coating, “and pressing in a couple of bearings (BMW tools are expensive!)” A new subframe and battery box were fabricated with the help of Austin locals, Revival Cycles, and the frame was de-tabbed. Daniel also re-wired the bike, and installed Mikuni flat-slide carbs and a Boyer electronic ignition system. The wheels were re-laced with stainless steel spokes, and as many nuts and bolts as possible swapped out for stainless replacements.

The engine, and a few other bits, went unpainted and untreated, leaving the old airhead with just the right measure of natural patina. Continuing that vintage theme are a number of tastefully recycled parts. For starters, the fenders were made from the spare tyre cover of a Model T, and the headlight is a flea market find, manufactured by a company called Perlux. “Apparently it’s an old stainless steel fog light from a school bus.”

What looks like a small sissy bar at first glance is actually a vintage Harley-Davidson auxiliary brake light. “The tail light was found at an old Harley shop here in Austin called Bud’s, they have a big lot in the back full of old wrecked bikes and other beat up parts, it’s pretty awesome.”

Both lights had to be modified to fit with custom mountings. Daniel shaped the seat pan out of a street sign, and upholstered it with brown leather taken from an old couch.

Pleased with how his project turned out, Daniel called on his neighbor—who happens to be a world-class BMX photographer—to shoot some photos. And I’m glad he did. His BMW is the perfect example of a shed-build gone right—cohesive and classy, with just enough quirkiness to keep things interesting.

Best of all, he’s now hooked: “After finishing the R75 I’ve realized that I really enjoy having a bike to work on and build. So even though I have a bike I’m really proud of, I’ve decided to sell it—to fund a new project.”

Photos by Devon Hutchins.

This Ferrari ‘Daytona’ Shooting Brake is a one-off winged wonder

When Luigi ‘Coco’ Chinetti Jnr. commissioned a bespoke shooting brake body to sit atop a Ferrari ‘Daytona’ chassis, he didn’t hire an Italian coachbuilding giant – but rather a small, UK-based independent. The result was quirky to say the least…

Drive Italian; wear British?

The son of Ferrari’s celebrated U.S. importer Luigi Chinetti was an advocate of the quintessentially British phenomenon of the shooting brake, having famously appointed Vignale to body a 330 GT as such in the late 60s. However, the early 70s saw him bypass Italian coachbuilding masters and call upon Surrey-based company Panther Westwinds. (And yes, that’s the same company that later released the amazing and madly expensive Panther Six).

The Anglo-American Ferrari

The recipient of the custom coachwork was to be a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’, more specifically chassis 15275. While Panther might not quite have had the design prestige or back catalogue of Pininfarina et al, the Chinettis were impressed by the company’s flair, attention to detail and build quality – and, perhaps just as importantly, were under contract to import its highly unusual retro-styled roadsters to the States. “We thought: Why don’t we make the first Ferrari made in England?” Coco Chinetti recalled in a 2001 interview.

Everyday dilemma, extraordinary solution

So, the Daytona was delivered brand-new from Ferrari North America to the UK along with some final renderings, leaving Panther to weave its British magic as best it could. This might explain the overhangs that are perhaps slightly too long for the eye to find ideal, but those ‘butterfly’ rear windows – perhaps inspired by the De Tomaso Mangusta – were a flourish of genius, useful whether shooting or shopping. “If you were shopping and parked like normal people do here, you can’t get access to the back of a wagon – whereas loading it from the side you always get some sort of access,” explained Coco. “And it was safer because I never liked being between two parked cars with my legs between the bumpers.”

Pane in the posterior

While Coco’s justification might seem a little too ‘real-world’ for such an oddity, he seemingly threw in a few quirks just for the sake of fully exploiting his artistic freedom. Step across the Panther-plaqued kick-plate and nestle into the Connolly hide of the driver’s throne, and your instinctive glance between the uppermost spokes of the Nardi wheel will return nothing but the same walnut panelling to be found behind you. You’ll need to look to your right at the centrally mounted instruments for visual feedback concerning the Daytona’s competition-bred mechanicals. Only don’t push them too hard: overzealous acceleration might see that shopping exit unceremoniously through the fixed rear pane.

From CostCo to the Cartier concours

Ultimately, the Daytona Shooting Brake is a shining star from the twilight age of coachbuilding. It might have flaws; it might not have been tailored in Milan or Turin – but you’re guaranteed it’ll be the only one, whether at a cash-and-carry, a country club or a concours.

Photos: © Amy Shore for Classic Driver

This unique Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Shooting Brake is currently being offered for sale through Hexagon Classics.

You can find hundreds more classic Ferraris for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

Les gars à suivre au Red Bull Romaniacs 2014

Qui va briller sur l'une des courses les plus difficiles du calendrier ?

Par Robert Lynn

Cette année, l’hard-enduro a été tout sauf prévisible. Trois différentes courses ont donné trois vainqueurs différents. Aujourd’hui, l’excitation monte avant le Red Bull Romaniacs en Roumanie, et la question est de savoir s’il y en aura un quatrième.

Le tenant du titre, Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna), et le roi des Carpates. Il a remporté la course roumaine 4 fois, et avec une victoire à Hell’s Gate cette année, il voudra en gagner une cinquième.

À part Jarvis, David Knight et Jonny Walker sont deux des favoris pour défier le pilote Husqvarna. Et tous deux ont gagné – respectivement The Tough One et le Red Bull Hare Scramble en 2014.

Mais qui d’autre pourrait se mêler au trio ?
 

Andreas Lettenbichler© Jonty Edmunds/Red Bull Content Pool

Andreas Lettenbichler

Andreas Lettenbichler est en haut de la liste. Letti a déjà remporté la course, en 2009, et a rarement fini hors du podium en Roumanie. Il connaît le terrain aussi bien que Jarvis, et après une troisième place à Erzberg, il est en forme. Après quelques années sans bonne machine, il a enfin le bon package avec KTM et 2014 pourrait être son année.
 

Alfredo Gomez© Jonty Edmunds/Red Bull Content Pool

Alfredo Gomez

L’an dernier, c’était la première d’Alfredo Gomez aux Romaniacs, et il a réalisé une super semaine en terminant second. Sur ces bases, Gomez est un sérieux prétendant pour les honneurs en 2014. Le seul truc, c’est que c’est un suiveur, et même au récent Hard Enduro Piatra Nemat, il n’a jamais tenté de semer Jarvis et Walker. Dans une course comme les Romaniacs, il faut prendre les commandes et tracer si on veut l’emporter.

Paul Bolton© Jonty Edmunds/Red Bull Content Pool

Paul Bolton

Paul Bolton s’est préparé au Red Bull Romaniacs toute l’année. Une solide cinquième place au Red Bull Hare Scramble enchaînée avec une quatrième place au Hard Enduro Piatra Nemat. Pendant le shakedown des Romaniacs, il a laissé Jarvis, Walker et Gomez dans l’expectative. Il devrait pouvoir faire un podium.

Chris Birch© Jonty Edmunds/Red Bull Content Pool

Chris Birch

Gagner aux Romaniacs implique d’être fort, et le Kiwi Chris Birch est fort. Il a remporté la course en 2010, et depuis il s’est hissé sur le podium avec un pied cassé. Bien qu’il reste discret cette année, il l’a emporté à la maison. S’il pleut, il sera là.

Wade Young© Jonty Edmunds/Red Bull Content Pool

Wade Young

Si l’on plaçait un pari à part sur le podium, ce serait Wade Young. À 18 ans à peine, il a la technique et la détermination. Il gagne en expérience à chaque course, et le Sud-Africain revient à Sibiu pour être dans les 5… au moins.

Alors, vous pariez sur qui ?

Hungarian Baja: 2014 is promising a big challenge for 11th edition in Hungary.

The last competiton in the popular shooting range around the city Veszprém near the famous "Lake Balaton" was in 2009 - the only time when the "Hungarian Baja" took place two days. The organizers have been working to bring the competiton back to this unique place in the last nine months and the previous four years to enrich the FIA Cross Country World Cup.

"We are looking forward our licences in these days, and in order to a bright future it is very important that everybody compete and work disciplined," said Organizer Zoltan Garamvolgyi. "In that case if the event is successful and unproblematic we could use these current and even larger areas through additional years."

The 11th Hungarian Baja is hosted in Papa, but the event will be more complex than in the last year: The start and the prize giving ceremony’s location is near the Perutz Stadion too. In the very popular stage (70 km) - was used at Sunday in 2013 - will be competiton in this year too and follows the (120 km) shooting range.

"We ask everyone to carefully read the Supplementary Regulation and to keep fully in the organizer's notices and instructions of the organizers and marshals," said Garamvolgyi. "Due to the environmental requirements and safety standards with the exception of the spectators and media points of special stages constitute a closed area and can not visit!"

"Everyone is welcome and we wish you a very pleasant and accident-free competition. This is unique in Europe, so for this year’s Hungarian Baja we are expecting a great interest from the participants, audience and the media as well."

The event is hosted in Papa: 688 km of total distance, 443.5 km selective stages, and for "Open" and "T4 Trucks" 508 km of total distance, 323.5 km selective stages, all in a spectacular landscape.

For more informations please visit the official website at [ HUNGARIANBAJA.COM ]

Entry fee in 1st term CARS / TRUCKS (02.06.2014-23.07.2014)

2540 EUR (Groups T1, T2, T3, T4)
1000 EUR (INTERNATIONAL OPEN)

Entry fee in 2nd term CARS / TRUCKS (24.07.2014-02.08.2014)

3175 EUR (Groups T1, T2, T3, T4)
1500 EUR (INTERNATIONAL OPEN)

Entry fee in 1st term BIKE/QUAD/SSV (02.06.2014-23.07.2014)

1050 EUR (FIM+FIM-EUROPE)
850 EUR (FIM)
500 EUR (FIM-EUROPE, INTERNATIONAL OPEN)

Entry fee in 2nd term BIKE/QUAD/SSV (24.07.2014-02.08.2014)

1360 EUR (FIM+FIM-EUROPE)
1100 EUR (FIM)
550 EUR (FIM-EUROPE, INTERNATIONAL OPEN) 

vent !!